The band Septer was formed in Chicago, Illinois, back in the early 90's when Orest "Hawk" Dziatyk met Paul Dailey. Hawk has a past as the main songwriter in cult acts such as Transgressor, Firestorm and Imperial Rage. Later Orest recruited former members of Firestorm, Kevin Truell and Jeff Kmiec. Joining them for their debut CD was also Brent Sullivan (bass) from Slauter Xstroyes and WinterKill playing the majority of the CD. Matt Weaver played on the two remaining cuts, and is now the current bass player.

TRANSGRESSOR (2003) PULSE

Wow! This is pure US power metal! Septer hails out of Chicago, Illinois, with members from cult bands, such as Transgressor, Firestorm, Slaughter Xstroyes and Winter Kill. The main songwriter from those first 2 bands is also the leading man in Septer. Thus he named their debut album 'Transgressor', and released it independently in 2003. In fact, "Die By The Axe" and "Transgressor" are both songs that the band Transgressor used to perform back in the mid-80's, but never got to record. Firestorm did record both songs, and also "Blood And Dishonor", on a demo. "Vesuvious" is also a song both bands had on their set lists. But now finally Orest found an outlet for the songs to be heard once more, and this time worldwide. And although the production on this CD isn't great, it sort of adds to the old school feeling. Pounding metal, with high soaring vocals and shredding guitar work! Add to that a lyrical stance not afraid to let us know where they stand with God. Yup, this is truly up my alley. This should have become a household name for those of us who love bands like Jag Panzer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saint, and Haven. Since this was released independently, it wasn't exactly in wide distribution. So thank God for CDBaby!

Killer tracks: Transgressor, Blood And Dishonor, You Better Believe, Last Days

THE GOD KEY (2006) TGK/PULSE

The first Septer album really took me by surprise, and quickly had me longing for more. Now the sophomore effort is here. It bears the name 'The God Key', and sees the band venture forth with a new vocalist. His name is Dane McCartney, and sounds at times quite similar to one Bruce Dickinson! Several of the titles on 'The God Key' were also songs that Transgressor and Firestorm used to perform. "Hillside Strangler", "Attack Of The Ibex", "Post Mortem", "Six-Six" and "Devil's Prey" are all surviving songs from that era. As with the debut, the production still leaves a little to be desired. But other then that, this is another CD with some stellar classic metal, done the US style. The band have obviously gone through a natural growth, both as musicians, but also as songwriters, resulting in a slightly more progressive album. Not that this is at all a Dream Theater worship. But rather we see a band that is willing to explore a bit more with tempo changes and such. It took me a bit longer to get into 'The God Key', and I think I still prefer their debut. It just lacks the memorable songs such as "Transgressor" and "Blood And Dishonor". That said, this is still a fine example that heavy metal is still living, and thriving, in the underground.

Killer tracks: Hillside Strangler, 40 Days, United At The Front, Enlighten Me, The Devil's Prey